Mitchell Coombs: Leaning into escapism and joy post-radio

When former Kyle & Jackie O staffer Mitchell Coombs left the KIIS Network show in 2021, he planned to take a gap year … and then eventually get a ‘real job.’

“I didn’t think doing social media full time was actually gonna pay the bills long term,” Mitchell tells Radio Today. “But five years later, I’m still doing my own thing, so it’s worked out for me so far!”

As well as doing social videos and podcasting, Mitchell also decided to have a crack at stand-up comedy.

“Which was a weird pivot, given Kyle and Jackie O gave me the nickname Meek Mitch,” he says. “Nobody expected me to end up on a stage in front of crowds. Myself included! But I’ve really loved it.”

Now, Mitchell is putting those comedy chops to good use, having just launched a new podcast called Escape Goat, which promptly shot to #1 on the Apple comedy podcast charts.

Mitchell is no stranger to podcasting, having been involved with Not My Cup of Tea, The Schnitty Committee, Trash Alley and Is It Just Me?

“I have gone through a few podcasts,” Mitchell laughs. “I’m a bit promiscuous in that way!”

“The standout was probably Is It Just Me?, which I co-hosted with Mitch Churi for five years, but I was also the audio and video editor, so I was a bit burnt out by the end, especially once you factor in the stand-up touring on top of all that.”

The podcast wrapped up at the end of 2024, and Mitch found himself needing some time out.

“So last year was the first time in nine years that I was podcast-less!” he says. “It’s been long enough for me to miss it, so I was gagging to get back into it. I enjoy everything I do, like social videos and editing and what not, but I’ve always found podcasting the most fulfilling.”

Mitchell says Escape Goat really leans into the fact that listeners over the years have told him that his podcasts have been a welcome dose of escapism and joy.

“I feel like that’s what I’m good at,” Mitchell says simply.

As for who the podcast might appeal to, Mitchell welcomes anyone who doesn’t mind a bit of juvenile humour – and doesn’t take themselves or anything else too seriously.

“The Facebook group for Escape Goat is called Silly Billies for a reason!”

Mitchell is keen to get back into stand-up again.

“But I wanted to get the new podcast up and running first. Once we’re in a good rhythm with that, I’ll get back into stand-up (it’s very ADHD of me, I like to hyper-focus on one thing at a time!)”

Is radio something he might do again down the track?

“I do miss it, especially being part of a team day to day!” he says.

“I’m pretty happy with where I’m at, but I guess my love of podcasting stemmed from my love for radio, so, never say never.”

“I’d be mad to say no to the right offer, right?”

Images supplied.